2.5.1 Access to food security knowledge

In 2025, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) provided free access on food security and sustainable agriculture knowledge, skills and technology to local farmers and food producers. Through hands-on training, demonstration plots and community learning centres, the university shared practical technology that helps farmers grow safe food, cut production costs and use local resources more efficiently. All activities were offered free of charge, so that farmers and food producers could take part regardless of their income. In 2025, SWU delivered this support in two areas: smart greenhouse farming and organic soil improvement for farmers in Nakhon Nayok Province, and organic waste management with Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae for farming communities in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.

Smart farming and safe food production for farmers in Nakhon Nayok

The College of Creative Agriculture for Society (CCAS), SWU, runs free academic service projects that transfer its research and the expertise of its specialist instructors to local farmers and food producers in Nakhon Nayok Province. The first project, Value Enhancement of Produce through Hydroponic Vegetable and High-Value Crop Cultivation under Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), teaches farmers how to produce safe food and add value to their crops. On 27 June 2025, the college held a hands-on workshop on hydroponic systems and GAP for 37 local farmers, covering soil-less cultivation, resource-efficient water management and the standards needed to ensure food safety and crop quality. The college's demonstration plots in smart greenhouses, where certified organic and safe crops are grown, serve as a model learning centre where farmers can see the technology at work and apply it on their own farms.

The second project, Knowledge Transfer and Promotion of Earthworm Manure (Vermicompost) Production for Sustainable Agriculture, gives farmers the skills to make their own organic fertiliser. On 26 June 2025, the college trained 21 local farmers in vermicompost production, biological waste recycling and organic soil enrichment. By producing their own fertiliser, farmers lower their production costs, use less chemical fertiliser, turn community waste into a useful resource and create new sources of income. This strengthens household food security and the long-term self-reliance of farming communities.

Figure 1: Hydroponic vegetable production in the smart greenhouse (left) and participants at the CCAS demonstration greenhouse (right)

Figure 2: Crop production in the greenhouse (left) and hands-on training in smart farming (right)

Figure 3: Training farmers in vermicompost production

Source: College of Creative Agriculture for Society, Srinakharinwirot University

Black Soldier Fly technology for farming communities in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

On 1 October 2025, SWU, the Department of Climate Change and Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and CP AXTRA, makro and Lotus's held a training and knowledge-sharing activity on organic waste management with Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae at the Khok Nong Na Ban Luang Learning Centre, Pho Sao Han Subdistrict, Uthai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The activity was part of SWU's Reinventing University project and followed the "Khok Nong Na Low Carbon Model". It was led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phattarawit Rakthong, Vice Chair of the project's working committee, together with the project team.

Local farmers and food producers learned how to raise BSF larvae on food and farm waste and turn the waste into high-protein animal feed and nutrient-rich organic fertiliser. This nature-based technology lowers the cost of feed and fertiliser, reduces the use of synthetic inputs, cuts greenhouse gas emissions from waste and creates new jobs and income for the community. Participants studied a BSF rearing handbook so that they could continue using the technology at home, supporting sustainable agriculture and local food security.

Figure 4: Training on organic waste management with BSF larvae (left) and participants with partners from government and the private sector (right), Khok Nong Na Ban Luang Learning Centre, 1 October 2025

Figure 5: Knowledge boards on BSF rearing (left) and a participant reading the BSF rearing handbook (right)

Figure 6: Khok Nong Na Ban Luang Learning Centre, Pho Sao Han Subdistrict, Uthai District

Source: https://www.facebook.com/SocialServicesOfficeSWU/posts/pfbid0q3V2EPbbctPRxJmdETSwoV5QtbezWHf9eLgaLZsdD9TfBAKapfZBeZhUKae5L7Fl